WestConn Students Combine Scholarship With Service

DANBURY — For an organization unknown to most students at Western Connecticut State University a short while ago, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) has made its mark in the inaugural year of its new campus chapter.

“The NSCS mission to promote scholarship, leadership, and service has provided a solid foundation for an enthusiastic group of self-starters at WestConn to pursue a broad range of activities,” said Associate Professor of Social Sciences Dr Averell Manes, faculty adviser to the organization.

Among the most significant has been the group’s commitment to clean up after breakfast and perform other chores on the first Saturday of each month at the Dorothy Day Hospitality Center in Danbury. NSCS members delivered donated food items to the Dorothy Day kitchen and office supplies to the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury.

Last spring the NSCS chapter also participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at WestConn. The chapter organized a concession stand for the event, under the leadership of senior Jenna Rao of Danbury, the chapter’s vice president of community service.

While the NSCS has been most visible in its service projects, the organization also has played an important role in bringing students from diverse academic disciplines and age groups together to socialize and become engaged in university life. NSCS members also have online access to the financial organization’s extensive services, including merit scholarship opportunities, financial assistance for studies abroad, and other academic programs.

For more information call Dr Manes at 837-8452 or the WestConn Office of Public Relations at 837-8486.